Tube Bias Adjustment and Tube Testing


Some help, if possible. Has anyone performed a bias adjustment on the Mcintosh 2102 amplifier and if so, can you walk me through this procedure. In addition, I was hoping to get some insight into tube testing. What am I looking for with this procedure and how do you do it?

My amplifier weighs 90 lbs. or so and I am getting to the age where I can't carry it out to the car to get it worked on.
Thanks for your help
frepec

Showing 1 response by mcfarland

As I recall, the McIntosh 2102 is a fixed bias amp set by the factory, which means that you do not need to adjust the bias when changing output tubes (6550's, or kt 88's can be used as well)and McIntosh recommends that you buy replacements tubes from them (I beleive that they are sourced by Svetlana, though, and you will most likely require 12ax7a signal tubes as well). I would just call them and ask, the change out process should be fairly easy. You would need a tube tester or know someone with one to check the tubes yourself, but in my applications (Atma-Sphere) the small tubes need replaced every 6-12 months or so. I do recommend that you clean the tube pins with a bit of emory cloth before installing. Others please chime in if you disagree. Happy Listening,